42nd Street is the center of New York City and one of the world’s most famous streets. Among the overwhelming number of entertainment options there are two must-sees: Madame Tussauds NY and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Located just a few doors down from each other, Madame Tussauds is a wax museum that also boasts several immersive experiences, while Ripley’s is a museum of all things weird and wild, including a family-friendly escape room. Whether you’re headed to one of these destinations or fitting in both, we’ve lined up a few great places to eat nearby. Here are a few restaurants a short walk from Ripley’s and Madame Tussauds, both offering coupons for our readers right now!
Patrick’s Restaurant & Oyster Bar
Patrick’s Restaurant serves classic pub fare from its friendly dining room right down 42nd Street. Start with fresh, raw oysters from the East and West coasts, and follow it up with any of Patrick’s winning entrees like fish and chips or its signature burger topped with bacon and Guinness cheddar cheese. For dessert, it’s got to be the Irish Car Bomb, a chocolate lava cake topped with Baileys ice cream and Guinness caramel sauce. The two bars at this bi-level establishment serve a range of fun cocktails like the Patrick’s Painkiller and an Irish coffee made with nitro cold brew. 259 W. 42nd St., 212-776-9100, patricksnyc.com
Los Tacos No. 1
On the go? Grab a taco or two at the aptly named Los Tacos No. 1 on 43rd Street. This petite taqueria serves crazy-affordable tacos (about $3.50 apiece) on handmade tortillas from behind a very busy counter. There is no seating at this location, so be aware that you’ll eat standing up at a counter space. But the perfect adobada pork, carne asada, and housemade agua frescas are totally worth it. In fact, you’ll probably want seconds. 229 W. 43rd St., 212-574-4696, lostacos1.com
Chez Josephine
Take a trip to Paris of yesteryear at Chez Josephine on 42nd Street. Named for Josephine Baker, this slightly upscale French restaurant indulges Belle Epoque decor and serves an approachable menu of continental classics. There’s a fantastic rack of lamb, French onion soup, or spaghetti bolognese on offer and even a small patio if the weather’s nice. Inside, a pianist at the grand piano completes the mood. 414 W. 42nd St., 212-594-1925, chezjosephine.com
Etcetera Etcetera
Etcetera Etcetera is another great outdoor dining option in the area. Try one of their seafood pastas like the squid ink tagliolini with lobster meat. There’s also a special green lasagna with veal bolognese and a few gluten-free pastas as well. Mains include sesame-crusted salmon with lentil salad and cherry tomato vinaigrette (yum!), and there are both polenta fries and rosemary fries for your meal or as a bar snack. 352 W. 44th St., 212-399-4141, etcetcnyc.com
Havana Central
Take a Cuban vacation in the middle of Times Square! Havana Central serves home-cooked Cuban food and brilliant live music in the heart of New York. Step into this spacious 1950s eatery for a mojito and some ropa vieja. Thursday through Sunday, you’ll be treated to great live Latin music, too! 151 W. 46th St., 212-398-7441, havanacentral.com
The Ribbon
With partners from favorite city spots like Blue Ribbon—the makers of the city’s best fried chicken—comes The Ribbon on 44th Street. This convenient brasserie welcomes weekday warriors and wandering tourists alike during the afternoon. The menu shows off American cuisine with French and other global influences. You'll encounter a quintessential New York dining experience, featuring an extensive bar selection and delights for all palates, including spit-roasted meats, seafood, and Blue Ribbon classics. Enjoy the Bromberg brothers’ 25+ years of renowned hospitality in a comfortable and elegant setting. Zagat and Michelin recommended. 220 W. 44th St., 212-944-2474, theribbonnyc.com
Le Privé
Now on 10th Avenue in the Theater District you can find “French dining, redefined.” Come to the new bistro Le Privé for escargots, beignets, salad Nicoise, and a range of classic French dishes in the comfort of a red-ceilinged dining room decked with chandeliers. 626 10th Ave. , 212-837-2795, lepriveny.com
